Ask Chuck: Breaking the Cycle of Overspending
Dear Chuck, My husband is tired of my overspending. I struggle living on the budget he’s made because I make quick purchases rather than planning ahead. Then I feel guilty defending my decisions when the bills arrive. How can I get out of this cycle? Spontaneous Spender Dear Spontaneous, Frist, be thankful you have […]
Ask Chuck: Stewardship Through The Generations
Dear Chuck, I’m concerned about young couples I know who rely heavily upon credit cards. They appear to have no concern for the future. I don’t sense a desire to be good stewards in their approach to finances. Concerned Boomer Dear Concerned Boomer, It is not only a perceived concern but a real one […]
Ask Chuck: Get Rich Quick
Dear Chuck, We have a lot of debt. Rather than taking on another job or trying to excel at his current one, my husband is seeking money in undesirable places. He buys weekly lottery tickets, shops garage sales and thrift stores looking for “treasure.” Meanwhile, I’m teaching piano lessons in our home while trying to […]
Ask Chuck: Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
Dear Chuck, My friends rave about their Amazon Prime membership. I’m not convinced. Do you have an opinion? Not Ready for Prime Dear Not Ready, Thanks for your question. It is one I had not carefully analyzed, so this may be helpful for members and non-members alike. My wife, Ann, and I have […]
Ask Chuck: Is Low Price Better Than High Quality?
Dear Chuck, I like nice, quality things. My husband prefers lower prices. My perspective is that buying quality is better in the long run. Is there a right or wrong way to look at it? We are stuck on which refrigerator to buy to replace the old one we have now. Needing A Compromise […]
Ask Chuck: What To Do If You’re House Poor
Dear Chuck, I see that mortgage rates are dropping. Several years ago, my husband and I bought more house than we really need. Is this the time to sell so we can purchase something more affordable? Our current home eats up 40% of our budget preventing us from saving and giving at a level we […]
Ask Chuck: Financial Concerns for Elderly Parents
Dear Chuck, I don’t know how my parents are going to afford to live their projected lifespan. If they are concerned, they sure don’t live like it. I’m saving and investing as much as I can, but I’m not sure I could adequately come to their rescue. Need Hope Dear Hope, I understand your concern. […]
Ask Chuck: Paying Off Christmas Debt
Dear Chuck, The bills have arrived and reality has hit. We splurged at Christmas and failed to keep track of everything we bought. We know now! Can you share some tips on paying off holiday debt and how to avoid ever doing this again? Pay! Pal Dear Pay! Pal, It is easy to get […]
Ask Chuck: Avoiding the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Trap
Dear Chuck, I read an article recently about how many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and question how many really have to live that way. I don’t want to be calloused, but I wonder if they just need to be told to “Grow up!” Doesn’t the Bible tell us not to live that way? Financially […]
Ask Chuck: Having a Meaningful Christmas on a Tight Budget
Dear Chuck, My parents moved in with us this year. We have two children in high school and a college student who has moved home to finish school. Our budget is tight but we want to be able to have a meaningful Christmas without going into debt. Your help is appreciated. Dreaming of a Great […]